Curated OER
How can my breakfast help the birds?
Sixth graders design farms with a bird's habitat in mind. In this farm lesson plan, 6th graders research how sun grown coffee destroys a bird habitat, and then they make their own farm with a bird's habitat being preserved. They then...
Curated OER
Time Line of Astronomy Events and Discoveries
Students work in groups to present a segment of a timeline of events and discoveries in astronomy. In this astronomy lesson plan, students teach their classmates about their section of the timeline.
Curated OER
Introduction to Earth Sun Relationships Incorporating P.E.
Third graders investigate space science by performing physical activities. For this solar system lesson, 3rd graders perform a relay activitiy with their class in which they race between different "planets". Students define...
Curated OER
Getting to Know Some of Pennsylvania's Fishes
Students research and identify the fish of Pennsylvania. In this earth science lesson, students view ten photos of fish and identify the characteristics of each fish. Students record observations and practice naming the fish using their...
Curated OER
How We Impact the Earth
Students work in cooperative learning groups to create PowerPoint or KeyNote presentations on how humans impact the earth. This lesson can be accomplished in three different parts.
Curated OER
Digging Into the Past
Fifth graders study fossils and how they are charted. In this fossil lesson plan, 5th graders research the excavation process of discovering fossils, and view fossils. They then do a hands on activity that involves plastic fossils that...
Curated OER
Volcanoes-Viscosity Demonstration
Students engage in a instructional activity which demonstrates that volcanism is the process whereby materials formed inside the Earth come out onto the surface. They participate in a simple, yet effective, activity which demonstrates...
Curated OER
The Urban Explosion
Young scholars investigate the uncontrolled development of the world's major cities. They define key vocabulary terms, view and discuss video excerpts, and complete a project that involves drawing a "perfect city," developing a plan to...
Curated OER
The Reasons for the Seasons
Sixth graders conduct a controlled investigation to determine the length of the sun's shadow on a fixed object (i.e., flagpole, telephone pole, etc.) over a three-day period (one day in the fall, one in the winter, and one in the...
Curated OER
Shoot for the Moon
Second graders distinguish the different phases of the moon. For this astronomy lesson, 2nd graders study the history of its discovery and myths about its origin. They simulate how the moon's surface is illuminated by the sun.
Curated OER
How Heating and Convection Contributes to Natural Disasters
Students study the basics of heating and cooling and how it pertains to the earth. In this global lesson students read the Magic Tree House book then create a chart of their findings.
Curated OER
Plan a Mission to Recently Discovered Planet
Students plan a mission to a recently discovered planet. In this science instructional activity, students research spacecraft design, distances in space, long-term missions in space, and life-sustaining planets. Students work in groups...
Curated OER
Earth and Space Science
Students investigate space travel. In this science lesson, students discuss the space station and its representation in orbit. They talk about food, travel and survival in space with the correct equipment.
Virginia Department of Education
Determining Absolute Age
How can radioactive decay help date old objects? Learners explore half-life and radioactive decay by conducting an experiment using pennies to represent atoms. Young scientists graph data from the experiment to identify radioactive decay...
Curated OER
Freshwater Fish Anatomy & Taxonomy
Tenth graders use a classification key to identify organisms. In this classification instructional activity students identify freshwater species of fish and document their observations.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Carbon Through the Seasons
Meteorologists view an animated video by the Environmental Protection Agency to learn how the carbon cycle works, and then move into groups to analyze and graph actual data of the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration from Hawaii's...
Curated OER
Outcomes Science 4
In this outcome science 4 worksheet, students apply scientific knowledge to answer and calculate a variety of questions. Students research the answer to several questions using the websites suggested.
Curated OER
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land
Students review and evaluate the ways land is covered and used in their local community. They consider the environmental effects of the different types of land use. Students act as community planning engineers to determine where to place...
Curated OER
Understanding Space Travel
High schoolers study the unique environment of the moon and Mars. In this space science lesson, students design a city located in the outer space. They create a computer aided design, models or drawings of their cities and share them...
Curated OER
Journey to the Center of the Earth I
Students identify the elements of science fiction and write their own example. In this Journey to the Center of the Earth lesson plan students complete several activities about science fiction, authors and novels.
Curated OER
Walking on Frozen Ground
Students listen to an Elder speak about permafrost structures in their area. In this permafrost lesson plan, students listen to the guest speaker, take a tour outside to view permafrost structures, and draw them.
Curated OER
Exploring Our Watershed System
Young scholars study watersheds and examine how they are composed. In this watershed system lesson students explain how water enters a watershed and the concept of stream order.
Curated OER
Traditional Stories about Wind
Young scholars observe and talk about wind using no weather instruments. In this wind lesson plan, students use their senses to observe wind. They also interview an Elder about wind.
PHET
Learning about Space Weather
Is the sun the only celestial body with magnetic fields? A guided discussion on the weather in space is designed with a mix of questions, discussions, explanations, and applications. Additionally, the resouce includes an...